§ 46. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in the light of the growing practice generally and in the inner urban areas in particular of parties being held where drink, drugs, dancing and loud music and noise continue throughout the night, causing discomfort and annoyance to the neighbours, he will call a conference of the local authorities concerned to consider to what extent legislation might deal with these matters.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe Control of Pollution Act 1974 already empowers local authorities to deal with complaints about neighbourhood noise. In addition, I am consulting the local authority associations about the feasibility of issuing a code of practice under that legislation which would offer guidance on minimising noise nuisance from all-night parties. Where the other activities referred to give rise to allegations that criminal offences have occurred, the police are, in general, responsible for investigations and these are matters for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.